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Briefs: Biz Buzz November 30, 2008

Times might be tougher, but try not to let economic circumstances take a toll on the Christmas spirit.

When it comes to Christmas gifts, do the things that will be memorable, not financially regrettable.

A few of my irreplaceable memories about Christmas: decorating a tree with family, watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” over and over with my late father and his being fine with “just socks” for gifts all the years of his life.

It was great getting a Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas when I was 9, but the greater gift was being able to give back later. And I knew that the last holidays of my father’s life, I splurged on society’s best colognes for a man who was really just fine with Brut.

The best gifts are made or bought with thought and personalization, not obligation.

Spend in ways that will matter in the end. That, you won’t regret.

• Famous Dave’s celebrates its anniversary Dec. 10. Among 178 locations nationwide, its grand opening week in Grand Junction last year was the second-highest grossing week of any of its restaurant openings nationwide, representatives here said. Plans are in the works for the celebration.

• Small businesses are noticing at least a touch of local panic in reaction to what’s happening with the national economy, and they’re thinking more about remaining open than making a profit, said Lisa Navarrette, owner of the Beans About Beans coffee shop, 759 Horizon Drive. Chambers of commerce throughout the Grand Valley have expressed a need to support each other at recent events, she said.
Empty storefronts lately include neighboring AIM Mail Center, vacant as of two months ago, and Authentic Eats, which closed earlier this year. Both were in the 600 block of Horizon Drive.

• Frenchman John Barbier, owner of Moulin Rouge and Amy’s Courtyard events center, may get his winery open by May 1 in Palisade. He’s also finalizing a new calendar at Moulin Rouge, 317 Main St.
Starting in January, Mondays will be singles nights. “I think there are a lot of single people here, like me,” he said. Champagne dinners will be served Tuesday evenings. Its popular ladies night will continue on Wednesdays. Fridays will bring a wine and cheese pairing, and live music is slated for Saturdays.

• Local motor sports businesses are making a killing because their vehicles get “100 miles to the gallon,” said Leeds Foyil, owner of now-defunct Dale Broome’s RV Center, whose property is being bought by neighboring All Terrain Motor Sports, which is expanding its business.
“We did do quite well with motorcycles this year,” said James Wells, owner of All Terrain. “Now, the election and the economy caught up to this month. I’m hopeful for this spring. We’ll be alright.”

• KREX-TV has a lot more activity going on lately at its site, 345 Hillcrest Drive. The scoop is site prep is ongoing for a ground-breaking ceremony to occur at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

• Howl Natural opened last month at 634 Main St., No. 6 and will be doing an opening celebration after the new year kicks in. The store, which sells natural, organic and raw pet food, has been selling a lot of Nature’s Logic, a 100 percent all-natural dog and cat food. More information: 433-6694.